Janet Jackson opens up about her surprising family connections to Stevie Wonder, Samuel L. Jackson, and Tracy Chapman.
Janet Jackson, the iconic singer and member of the legendary Jackson family, recently revealed some surprising details about her extended family tree. In a candid interview on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills on August 13, Janet shared that she is related to three other well-known celebrities in addition to her famous siblings.
“[Stevie Wonder is] our cousin,” Janet, 58, said during the interview. “Not a lot of people know that. He’s our cousin on my mother’s side. So is Tracy Chapman. So is Samuel Jackson.”
The revelation came as a surprise to many, as the connections between these prominent figures were not widely known. Janet’s mother, Katherine Jackson, is the link that ties her to these famous relatives. While much is known about Janet’s immediate family, including her late brother Michael Jackson, these extended connections shed new light on the depth of talent within her family.
In her own words, Janet Jackson summed up the importance of family and legacy: “I’m grateful for all the love and support that’s been given to me and my family. It’s a journey, and it’s one that I’m proud to share with those who have been there with me from the beginning.”
Janet, the youngest child of Katherine and Joe Jackson, has long been a part of one of the most famous musical families in history. Her siblings, including Michael, La Toya, Jermaine, and others, have all made their mark on the music industry. However, learning that the family tree also includes musical legends like Stevie Wonder and Tracy Chapman, as well as the celebrated actor Samuel L. Jackson, adds another layer of intrigue to the Jackson legacy.
In the interview, Janet also touched on her relationship with her brothers, particularly Michael. She recalled the changes in their relationship after Michael’s rise to global superstardom with the release of Thriller in 1982. “For the first time in my life, that’s when I felt it was different between the two of us. That a shift was happening,” Janet shared in her 2022 documentary, Janet Jackson.
The documentary, released on Lifetime, offered a glimpse into Janet’s life and her experiences growing up as part of the Jackson family. She mentioned how she was closest to Michael and her brother Randy during their childhood, but as Michael’s fame grew, their relationship changed. Janet recalled moments of silence between them, a sign of the growing distance caused by his immense fame.
Despite these changes, Janet continues to honor her brother’s memory, particularly through their collaboration on the song “Scream.” Released in 1995, the song remains a significant part of Janet’s concerts as a tribute to Michael, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 50. “Mike and I wrote that song in New York, in his apartment,” she told BBC in a July interview. She cherishes the memories of creating the song with her brother and being there for him during a challenging time in his life.
Janet’s revelation about her famous relatives adds an interesting chapter to her already fascinating life story. It highlights the deep connections and shared experiences among some of the most influential figures in music and film. The Jackson family’s legacy continues to grow, now intertwined with the stories of Stevie Wonder, Samuel L. Jackson, and Tracy Chapman.
While the world knows Janet as a pop icon, her personal connections to other legends in the entertainment industry reveal the strong familial bonds that have shaped her journey. As she continues to share her story, fans gain a deeper understanding of the influences and relationships that have defined her life and career.
